ISLANDS MSP MEETS WITH DF BARNES TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF YARD

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has voiced his hopes for the future of the Arnish yard in the Isle of Lewis.

The islands MSP was speaking after meeting with Sean Power, Vice President for Business Development of DF Barnes, to discuss the company’s vision for the future of Arnish.

DF Barnes acquired BiFab – the company operating Arnish - earlier this year in a deal brokered by the Scottish Government.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“I am very encouraged by the commitment shown by the company in their efforts to bring work back to Arnish, with a bid for a significant new project being submitted in the past few days. I am also grateful for the reassurance that the yard is a key part of their plans.

“There does seem to be a recognition of the huge asset now at the company’s disposal, in terms of the skills and attributes of the local workforce. The workforce has been absolutely key to the survival of BiFab during its most difficult period, and was I very happy to update a representative of the former works committee at Arnish on these developments.

“Arnish plays a significant role in the economy of Lewis and it is difficult to imagine the future without it. As the local MSP for the area, I have continued to stress that Arnish is uniquely placed to capitalise on future manufacturing opportunities in the expanding Scottish renewables sector. There is now every reason to be optimistic for the future and for jobs to return.”